The Eustace Diamonds · Character

Lady Fawn

The kind, matriarchal mistress of Fawn Court at Richmond, mother to Lord Fawn and his many plain daughters, and Lucy Morris's fond and watchful employer.

supporting

Also known as old Lady Fawn, Fawn, Dear Lady Fawn, Old Lady Fawn, poor Lady Fawn

First appearance: Showing What the Miss Fawns Said, and What Mrs. Hittaway Thought

As a supporting figure in The Eustace Diamonds, Lady Fawn is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Lucy's employer; she values Lucy but disapproves of visits from Frank Greystock and thinks a governess should not be eager to marry.

In the storyLucy MorrisOpen this moment free

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Lady Fawn lives year-round at Richmond in a large old-fashioned house with a large old-fashioned garden, ruling a household of unattractive but good-natured daughters and one indispensable governess. She loves Lucy genuinely, yet she also understands that Lord Fawn must marry money, and she manages the delicate boundary between affection and propriety with a word here and a hint there. Her quiet diplomacy — and her feud with Lady Linlithgow — shapes the social weather in which Lucy's hopes and Lizzie's visits alike must survive.

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See Lady Fawn in Showing What the Miss Fawns Said, and What Mrs. Hittaway Thought

Character Web

13 connections

A slice of how Lady Fawn sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Extended Society and Minor Characters
Eustace Diamonds Circle
Greystock Family

+8 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

In this passage, the narrative climax occurs as Lizzie Eustace reaches an emotional and psychological peak of…

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In the story

Lady Fawn appears across 16 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Lucy Morris
Lucy's employer; she values Lucy but disapproves of visits from Frank Greystock and thinks a governess should not be eager to marry.
Mr. Burke’s Speeches
Warns Lucy about loving Frank Greystock, tries to mediate the argument between Lucy and Lord Fawn.
Showing What the Miss Fawns Said, and What Mrs. Hittaway Thought
Lady Fawn visits Lizzie reluctantly, influenced by her daughter Mrs. Hittaway's warnings; she is uncomfortable with Lizzie's behavior and perfumed manner.
I Only Thought of It
Hosts Lizzie at Fawn Court with cold formality, having hoped Lizzie would not come; receives a letter from Mrs. Hittaway warning about Lizzie.
Showing What Frank Greystock Did
Mentioned as having left Fawn Court before Frank's visit; Frank considers her a fool for trying to prevent him from seeing Lucy.
Doan't Thou Marry for Munny
Upset about Frank and Lucy's walk, and dismayed by Lizzie's engagement; later closeted with her son after the quarrel.
I'll Give You a Hundred Guinea Brooch
Warns Lucy about Frank's intentions, confronts Lizzie about the necklace, and observes Lucy's agitation upon receiving Frank's letter.
XVIII: “And I Have Nothing to Give”
Opposes Frank's support for Lizzie and views Lizzie as an enemy; her daughters and household share this sentiment.
Lucy Morris Misbehaves
Attempts to mediate the conflict, urges Lucy to apologize to Lord Fawn, and expresses disappointment in Lucy's behavior.
XXIX: “I Had Better Go Away”
Perplexed by the conflict, torn between her son's privilege and her affection for Lucy; eventually speaks with Lucy and allows her to seek another home.
Mr. Greystock's Troubles
Takes Lord Fawn's side in the quarrel; Lucy is to leave Fawn Court but is treated kindly.
It Won't Be True
Lady Fawn tries to persuade Lucy to stay, showing maternal concern and reluctance to see her go to Lady Linlithgow.
Lady Linlithgow at Home
Lady Fawn sends Lucy to London in the family carriage, though she and the Fawns feel Lucy is behaving badly.
Lucy Morris in Brook Street
Travels from Richmond to visit Lucy, offers her a permanent home at Fawn Court, and advises her against depending on Frank Greystock before marriage.
Let It Be as Though It Had Never Been
Burdened by family troubles and the scandal involving Lizzie Eustace, she reluctantly listens to Andy Gowran's account and suffers from the moral weight of the situation.
The Story of Lucy Morris Is Concluded
Welcomes Lucy back, observes the reconciliation, and arranges for Lucy to stay at the deanery.

Chapter companion notes

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See Lady Fawn in Showing What the Miss Fawns Said, and What Mrs. Hittaway Thought

See Lady Fawn in Lucy Morris